We bring you a round up of snack sized information from the big wide bike world that we think you might want to know.
Road accident guidelines for reporting
People who ride bikes on the road have long been frustrated by the incredible number of incidents of cars which leave the road, cars which land in hedges, and cars which have any number of unfortunate accidents happen to them – with no mention of the driver that was in control of the car. Conversely, it seems it’s always the cyclist that ploughs into a pedestrian, the cyclist the rides irresponsibly, the cyclist that was accidentally hit by the car turning right… you get the picture. Bez has written at length about why this reporting bias matters, and now there’s a consultation underway on a set of media guidelines for the reporting of road collisions. There are four key elements to the draft guidelines:
- Impartiality: Publishers must not use the term accident when describing road collisions – collision, or crash, are more accurate, especially when the facts of the incident are not known.
- Discrimination: publishers must avoid using negative generalisations of road users, and must not use dehumanising language or that which may incite violence or hatred against a road user in comment and news coverage.
- Accuracy: Coverage of perceived risks on the roads should be above all accurate, based in fact and context. Publishers should make mention of human actors in a collision, and avoid reference to personal protective equipment, such as hi-vis and helmets, except when demonstrably relevant.
- Reporting on crime: Publishers must avoid portraying dangerous or criminal behaviour on the roads, such as speeding, as acceptable, or those caught breaking the law as victims.
Chris Boardman, British Cycling Policy Advisor and speaker of endless sense says: “Having worked for nearly two decades to get people riding bikes for health, leisure and utility journeys, I can say categorically, that reporting of cycling activity and particular incidents, has a huge influence on perception. For good or ill, words really do matter, they paint a picture and influence both how we feel about a topic and how seriously we take a crime.
“My British Cycling colleagues and I have been frustrated for years about how tragic occurrences are often painted as unavoidable accidents rather than the result of very avoidable criminal behaviour. So we very much welcome that this topic is at last being addressed and that guidelines are being crafted to ensure those who are truly responsible for road violence are the ones in the spotlight.”
To read the full guidelines or respond to the consultation, head here.
Cotic updates the BFe – 27.5 ain’t dead
It might seem like everything has been about 29ers and mullet bikes of late, but Cy from Cotic thinks there’s still a future in 27.5in wheels and has brought out an update to the Cotic BFe hardtail. Cy says: “The BFe now has a 10mm lower BB, as testing showed that this improved cornering stability, whilst still maintaining that all important pedal ground clearance. The other major benefit of this change is increased stack on all sizes, which allows taller riders in particular to more easily get comfortable on the BFe.”
The bikes are still being made, and are due to land in February 2021. You can preorder one now though, with frames at £549. And you might just want to do that – after the February delivery, the next shipping of BFes won’t be until autumn 2021.
Five Ten teases new Hellcat Pros
In what might have proved to be the least appropriate customised race shoes ever, Five Ten brought out a special range of custom shoes for its athletes as part of its teasing of the new Hellcat Pro shoes. All its sponsored athletes were given a lovely custom pair of Five Tens…in white. At least it made it extra obvious when they’d put a foot down in the muddy swamps of the Leogang track.
Once they’ve released the new Hellcat Pros (hopefully in more user friendly colours!) they’ll include these new features:
- TPU Toe Cap
- Poron impact resistant toe foam
- Stealth Marathon rubber outsole
- 72 grams weight saving (on a US size 11 shoe)
Commencal World Championships Wraps
Like pretty much everyone else, Commencal gave its racers some special edition bike finishes for the World Championships. Unlike everyone else though, they didn’t just go for pretty colours and design themes. Instead, they pushed a message of anti-racism and peace – nice to see a brand happy to get political.
Breaking Cycles – Fat Lads Can’t Climb
It’s quite a long video, and you can probably skip past bits that explain to non-cycling folks what ‘everesting’ is, but I reckon a few of you might be interested to have a watch and check out Phil’s Instagram. He made this video for Dyspraxia Awareness Week, and hopes to raise awareness of neurodiversity and the mental health benefits of cycling. Also, additional props to him for riding round Lee Quarry on a rigid mountain bike.
Tito Tomasi – Tito le Gaulois
Once France’s strict lockdown rules ended, Tito headed out to play. It starts out with a selection of ‘ooh, that looks good, how do I book to go there?’ trails, but is swiftly followed by some ‘nope definitely not, where is my safety harness.?’ madness. Enjoy.
Snack sized news over, maybe it’s time to get planning yourself a feast sized ride?
